Crissy Marsh
Crissy Marsh’s revitalized wetlands are the perfect place for birdwatching during a walk in nature.
Following decades as an Army airfield and industrial area, Crissy Marsh – located right next to Crissy Field East Beach just across from Presidio Tunnel Tops – debuted in 2001 as part of the shoreline’s restoration.
Crissy Marsh is where birds – and people – love to flock. More than 100 avian species have found something irresistible about this 20-acre stretch of pristine wetland. Be it shorebirds or feathered fliers on a pitstop along the Pacific Flyway, Crissy Marsh plays a vital role in San Francisco’s shoreline ecosystem.
Take it all in from the nearby Golden Gate Promenade or the boardwalk over the marsh.
Getting to Crissy Marsh
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By Presidio GO Shuttle
Route: Downtown Route
Stop: Presidio Transit Center
Directions: From Presidio Transit Center, follow Halleck Street or walk through Presidio Tunnel Tops for 0.6 miles to reach Crissy Marsh.
Parking
There is a free Crissy Field parking lot nearby at Crissy Field East Beach. Flexible on when you visit? Avoid peak demand for parking by planning a weekday trip.
Why We Love Crissy Marsh
Crissy Marsh is where eagle-eyed birdwatchers go to spot Caspian Terns, Belted Kingfishers, and Great Egrets. Beyond the birds, the area’s brackish waters are home to nearly 100,000 plants representing 110 native species. In addition, this area offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.
Accessibility at Crissy Marsh
Crissy Marsh is on the Muni 30 bus line and offers nearby parking for those with mobility limitations at the Crissy Field East Beach lot. The closest accessible restrooms can also be found at East Beach.
Insider Tip
Crissy Marsh is at the northernmost end of the Tennessee Hollow Watershed – it’s where the waters flow into San Francisco Bay. Experience the entire watershed on a two-mile self-guided trek that begins nearby. Learn more about the Tennessee Hollow Trail.
A PLACE TO EXPERIENCE NATURE IN THE PRESIDIO
This is one of the best places in San Francisco to birdwatch. It’s a well-worth-it stop while taking a shoreline stroll.
Talk a Walk Along the Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail SF
Stop at Crissy Marsh while enjoying a walk along the Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail SF. A footbridge lets you stand right over the marsh and watch the show the birds put on.
Near One of the Best Playgrounds in San Francisco
Kids can enjoy a fun time exploring nature at the marsh and then head across the street to the free Outpost playground at Presidio Tunnel Tops to jump, climb, and crawl on play structures made from things in nature.
Presidio Food is Nearby
On many days, Presidio Pop Up food trucks are right across the street next to the Outpost playground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restrooms are nearby at Crissy Field East Beach. They are open daily.
The Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail SF run right alongside Crissy Marsh. The Tennessee Hollow Trail, which runs from the marsh all the way up through the park’s largest watershed, has a trailhead nearby.
The seven-acre Quartermaster Reach Marsh connects to Crissy Marsh through viaducts that run underneath Mason Street at Crissy Field. Fresh water flows through Quartermaster Reach Marsh into Crissy Marsh before flowing to San Francisco Bay.
Over the course of five years, beginning in the late 1990s, Crissy Marsh was transformed from pavement to a natural habitat. The entire 100-acre shoreline restoration was revealed to the public in 2001. The effort was led by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service.
Nature Notes
It’s our goal to make sure people can enjoy the Presidio’s natural beauty for generations to come. We work to protect native plants and animals while reducing our impact on the environment.
Keeping Crissy Marsh Flowing
Periodically, the marsh gets a helping hand as park staff dredge sediment from the channel to keep waters flowing into San Francisco Bay.
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Experience the Presidio
The Presidio is San Francisco’s national park site, with endless trails, fun events, and unforgettable vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
